The West Shore Chamber of Commerce gives away awards at three annual events throughout the year. The specific award information and qualifications are listed below for each event.

Annual Luminary Awards

The Annual Luminary Awards Luncheon highlights all nominees and awards two Businesswomen nominated by their peers. A donation will be made to a Chamber nonprofit member of the award recipients’ choice in their honor. The two highly respected award recipients will be recognized for their outstanding character, commitment, professional achievement, stellar performance, and attitude. Nominations are sent out every year in the Spring for the following two awards.

Shining Star Luminary Award
– Holds a non-executive position
– Volunteers within the community
– Seeks to continually improve themselves both professionally and personally
– Strong team player

Former Award Recipients:
2024 – Michelle Loomis, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation
2023 – Lauren E. Fenner, CPA, Brown Plus
2022 – Leigh Ann Reitze, UPMC
2021 – Gretchen L. Ramsey, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
2020 – Barrie Ann George, Safe Harbour, Inc.
2019 – Kelly McCall, UPMC Pinnacle
2018 – Chelsea Wurster, Quality Digital Office Technology
2017 – Rubina A. Azizdin, Central Penn College
2016 – Adrienne M. Vicari, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc.
2015 – Casey Khuri, NAI CIR
2014 – Candace R. Masson, Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz
2013 – MaryAnne Nguyen, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union

Visionary Luminary Award
– Holds an executive leadership position
– Demonstrated community leadership
– Contributes to the success of women of any age
– Facilitates team building through her vision and leadership

Former Award Recipients:
2024 – Joanna Dennstaedt, Radiant Hope
2023 – Amy Rote, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
2022 – Jenny Gallagher Blom, The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region
2021 – Susan Hubley, Capital BlueCross
2020 – Molly Helmstetter, New Hope Ministries
2019 – Kim Lee Kenawell-Hoffecker, Avantra Family Wealth
2018 – Una Martone, Leadership Harrisburg Area
2017 – Amanda J. Lavis, Rhoads & Sinon LLP
2016 – Kathy Cadieux, Creative Elegance Boutique
2015 – Dr. Karen Scolforo, Central Penn College
2014 – Susan Comp, PinnacleHealth
2013 – Sister Romaine Niemeyer SCC, Holy Spirit Hospital

Annual Meeting & Dinner

The West Shore Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Dinner is a meeting where the Chamber recognizes its volunteers, elect incoming directors and celebrates another year of promoting economic development on the West Shore. Nominations are sent out annually every October for the following awards.

The George C. Hoopy Award
In memory of the late Mr. George C. Hoopy, this award is presented to the West Shore Chamber of Commerce member who has demonstrated a commitment to the organization through committee activity, attendance at Chamber functions and promotion of the Chamber. Mr. Hoopy was a founding member of the West Shore Businessmen’s Association, later incorporated into the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. He served as Chamber Chairman in 1963 and remained an active member of the Legislative and Nominating Committees until his passing on July 12, 2007.

Former Award Recipients:
2023 – Brian Peters, Members 1st Federal Credit Union
2022 – Daniel R. Jameson, Esq. & Ethan K. Stone, Esq., Jameson Stone LLC
2021 – Jeffrey Corby, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union
2020 – Leigh Ann Reitze, UPMC
2019 – Brit Parker, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union
2018 – Scott P. Schultz, Members 1st Federal Credit Union
2017 – Jessica Hughes, Viscul Creative
2016 – Janet Bartelme, Legal Shield
2015 – Lita Heckler, Edible Arrangements
2014 – Don Gay, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union
2013 – Sam Jones, Lamar Advertising
2012 – Tom McKee, Buehler Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
2011 – Jennifer L. Buehler, Buehler Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
2010 – Andrea Dietz, Urology of Central PA
2009 – Charles “Chick” Zoll, Don Jacobs Insurance Services Inc.
2008 – Kerwin Stetler, Pyramid Construction Services. Inc.
2007 – William H. DeVore, Jr., (Retired) integra Print & Image
2006 – Gary Nalbandian, Metro Bank and NAI CIR
2005 – H. Larry Roberts, (Retired) West Shore EMS
2004 – David S. Bihl, CFP, Blue Ridge Planning Services

The Les Ginanni Business & Community Connection Award
The recipient of the Les Ginanni Business & Community Connection Award is a West Shore Chamber member who has continuously contributed to the community through his or her business and on a personal level. First presented to the late Mr. Les Ginanni, president of Shaull Equipment and Supply Company, the award was named in his memory as a tribute to his exemplary community service throughout central Pennsylvania. Mr. Ginanni was Chairman of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce from 1982-83,1987-88, and 1988-89. A vigilant community advocate, he was active in the YMCA, the United Way, Goodwill, Boy Scouts of America, and hospital drives. As Chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Dinner of Champions, he raised over three million dollars.

Former Award Recipients:
2023 – Brian Gibson, Chick-fil-A Lower Allen and Mechanicsburg
2022 – Bryan and Patty Sibbach, Precision Training Concepts
2021 – Anne Deeter Gallaher, Deeter Gallaher Group, LLC
2020 – Cheryl Howard, LINKBANK
2019 – Ralph S. Klinepeter, Jr., Pyramid Construction Services, Inc.
2018 – Tim Langletz, PA Landscape Group, Inc.
2017 – Kristel Zaring, Gift CPAs
2016 – Jennifer Buehler, Wells Fargo Advisors
2015 – Andrea Dietz, Urology of Central Pennsylvania
2014 – Paula Kostick, Classic Drycleaners and Laundromats
2013 – Holly Laufer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
2012 – Melissa Konhaus, Konhaus Marketing & Communications
2011 – Judith A. Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive Service, Inc.
2010 – Larry Bashore, Edwin L. Heim Company
2009 – Donna Davidson, Special Olympics Area M
2008 – Frederick Lovelace, The VitalLink Consulting Agency
2007 – Leighann Moll and Joseph Maurer, Momentum Fitness Center
2006 – R. Furman “Buff” Hawley, (Deceased) PNC Bank
2005 – Leonard W. Sorenson, (Deceased) Highland Gardens
2004 – Susan D. Staub, Pennsylvanians for Right to Work

Edward M. Messner Inspiring Business Award
The Edward M. Messner Inspiring Business Award was created from the Chamber’s Marketing & Public Relations Committee’s desire to recognize Chamber members that live the Chamber’s brand – Inspiring Business. The Board of Directors approved the addition of this prestigious Chamber award in 2005. The award was recently renamed in 2013 after Edward M. Messner, former President & CEO of the West Shore Chamber for over 40 years. The award winner is a Chamber member who provides active and continuous inspiration for business interaction and growth, who freely shares opinions about business issues, creates effective relationships and partnerships, achieves personal and organizational growth through Chamber partnerships, and is a catalyst for a new generation of business and business professionals.

Former Award Recipients:
2023 – Brooke Butler Wagner, Playa Bowls and Mark L. Butler Foundation
2022 – Jason Klock, Klock Entertainment
2021 – Jamie Keener, AICP
2020 – Stephen Wilt, Alexander Building Construction Services
2019 – Jim Carchidi, CSP, JFC Staffing Companies
2018 – Sarah Barr, Konhaus Print & Marketing
2017 – Jim Murdoch, James B. Murdoch Insurance Group Inc.
2016 – Chelsea (Wurster) Hutchinson, Quality Digital Office Technology
2015 – Steve Lubart, SEK, CPAs & Advisors
2014 – Lynn Stickler, Central Penn Business Journal
2013 – Charles “Chick” Zoll, Don Jacobs Insurance Services Inc.
2012 – Jason Holland, Travel Simplicity
2011 – Chris Frampton, Frampton Kimmel Group
2010 – Omar Shute, Cumberland County Economic Development
2009 – Robert Saline, APR, Fellow PRSA, PRworks Inc.
2008 – William H. DeVore, (Retired) integra Print & Image
2007 – Rhonda Hebbard, Hooplas Etc.
2006 – Eve, Maeva Design
2005 – Desiree Woof, Sass Salon & Day Spa

Business Achievement Award
The Business Achievement Award is given to an individual who, through creativity, perseverance, and education has: developed a successful enterprise; whose efforts have created jobs, products, and opportunities; whose high moral and ethical values have set a standard of excellence in the marketplace; and whose dynamic leadership has thrust central Pennsylvania into economic prominence.

Former Award Recipients:
2023 – Tim Henry, F&M Trust
2022 – Ronald Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, Mountz Jewelers
2021 – Bert & Shelly Wendeln, The Carlisle Group and SPAtacular Escapes
2020 – Nicholas Bertram, The GIANT Companies
2019 – Stephen Kindler, Jr., National Fitness Partners/Planet Fitness
2018 – Art Campbell, Campbell Commercial Real Estate
2017 – Don Carter, Duke’s Bar & Grille Restaurant
2016 – Robert Marquette, Members 1st Federal Credit Union
2015 – RJ Harris, WHP580
2014 – Tracey Jones, Tremendous Life Books
2013 – Larry Bashore, Edwin L. Heim Company
2012 – Mark Butler, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
2011 – Salvatore Fazzolari, Harsco
2009 – Klare Sunderland, Sun Motor Cars Automotive Group
2008 – Robert Ortenzio, Select Medical Corporation
2007 – Mary Sammons, Rite Aid Corp.
2001 – Dale High, High Associates, Ltd.
2000 – Ed Arnold, Arnold Logistics

Taste of the Chamber

Taste of the Chamber is the Chamber’s premier culinary event of the year and has previously been held in the Spring. Enjoy networking while experiencing the best dishes from our hospitality, catering, and restaurant members for an indulgent celebration of local fare. A portion of the event proceeds benefits two Chamber nonprofit members. The following awards were created in 2018 and were given out at the following events:

Judges Favorite Taste
A panel of secret judges will select the exhibiting member whose food they considered their favorite taste of the event.

Former Award Recipients:
2019 – Flinchy’s
2018 – RockBass Grill

Best Overall Taste
All attendees vote for their favorite exhibitor member at the event.

Former Award Recipients:
2019 – Healthy You Cafe
2018 – Healthy You Cafe